School Site Council
The School Site Council plays an important role in making recommendations to the principal at the school site level for funding of school improvement programs. The school site council is a group of teachers, parents, and classified employees that works with the principal to recommend funding for school improvement programs. The members of the site council are generally elected by their peers. For example, parents elect the parent representatives and teachers elect teachers.
The exact role and scope of responsibility of school site councils may vary from site to site, but site councils generally advise the principal on the school improvement budget and the school improvement plan. School site council members don't just represent their own interests. They have an obligation to make recommendations that will best serve the whole school community.
Successful school site councils ask thoughtful and challenging questions.
- What are the goals and priorities of our school?
- What data do we have that shows how well we are achieving those goals?
- Are we progressing toward our goals?
- Are there particular groups of students who are not doing as well as others?
- What supports could we put in place to help struggling students?
- How will we fund those supports?
- How will we know if our programs are effective?
- How will we know if we are achieving our goals?
How to get involved
If you are interested in learning more about your school site council or possibly serving on your school’s site council, attend a meeting or talk to the school principal. If you would like to participate on the council, call the school secretary to find out how the selection process works at your school.